So, what do I do now? - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5- 5.6G ED DX

05/09/2007 12:44:19 PM · #1

Last autumn when I was fired from my sucky job I decied to take photography seriously.

So I registerd a business and started shooting low paying jobs while I studied photography at a comunity college. This sprig I sent a couple of photos and an application to three photography schools, the top three in my country.

Last week I got a letter telling me I've been invited to the trials, a two day entry exam for one of the schools. I've also been offered a position teaching photography at the couminty college where I studied.

And that's my dillema, I don't know which road to take. Do I stay here teaching and working(as a photog.) for another year to gain some more experince or do I go back to school?

What would you do?

What's the pro's and con's of going to school vs working?

I'm really confused, I was happy with the way things went but I've been offered two great opportunities and I don't know which one to take.

sorry for the rant.

Rebecca

Nikon D80

05/09/2007 12:53:56 PM · #2

Two questions:
(1) Do you feel that photography school really has anything to teach you? The fact that you've been offered a teaching position in the field indicates you know your stuff pretty well already.

(2) How much more would you be worth as a photographer to schools and clients if you had a fairly prestigious degree?

d56ranger

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

05/09/2007 01:04:09 PM · #3

In my experience, I've ALWAYS learned more teaching than from any class. If I had the choice here, I'd take the money and run (unless, that is, you enjoy paying someone else rather than have someone pay you).

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

05/09/2007 01:09:58 PM · #4

Originally posted by Rebecca:

(1) Maybe not, but it offers alot of internships during the two year education, at newspapers and famous photogs.

(2) Don't know, I'm mostly interessted in the contacts I could make.

Jason_Cross

Nikon D50

05/09/2007 01:11:46 PM · #5

As a teacher I can say teaching rules. Best and hardest job I have ever had.

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

05/09/2007 01:22:41 PM · #6

at your age, i'd go the school route. if you really love photography, you'll have access to really learning the ins and outs of the technical stuff, as well as have access to a lot of equipment, opportunities, and expertise that you can draw from. at the end, you'll wind up with a piece of paper that, believe it or not, will mean something.

if you try the teaching route right now, you might find some success, but it will probably be very, very hard fought, considering that other than the courses you took at the community college, you're completely self-taught...you'd even be having to teach yourself how to be a teacher.

going to school might seem like a huge sacrifice, but in the long run, it's worth it. consider this:

larus quit his job just to go to school for photography...

fotomann_forever

05/09/2007 01:31:13 PM · #7

Go back to school. You'll have much time to work later :-)

Jason_Cross

Nikon D50

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

05/09/2007 01:35:14 PM · #8

If you go to one of those fancy schools you would probably just be brainwashed to come up with shot ideas like 20000 naked people rollerblading through a downtown area singing give peace a chance.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

05/09/2007 01:39:44 PM · #9

Getting the degree would probably prove very valuable. Yet having income now is very desirable. heck of a position to be in, LOL.
One possibility is to discuss the teaching position, and see if you could balance teaching, perhaps part time, with attending school. You earn some income and gain experience, while getting the degree which will help you to advance later.
Both my wife and I did this early in our careers, working full-time and attending school part time at night. It's not an easy path, but it is, in some respects, the best of both worlds.

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM

05/09/2007 01:40:43 PM · #10

I think I will go to the entry exam atleast, and check the school out in person, but after that I don't know, it feels like I could use a year to work on my personal image language, before I go to school.

Skip

Canon EOS-1D X

05/09/2007 01:42:52 PM · #11

Originally posted by xantangummi:

not a bad idea. photography is one of those professions where you can practice it without a license (in many places). thank God surgeon-wannabees can't go out developing a cutting style before going to school ;-)

Jason_Cross

Nikon D50

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

05/09/2007 01:43:17 PM · #12

That sounds like a wise decision. Make sure that the school would be offering something that you would find of use. Lots of money I imagine to go there, so spend it wisely.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

05/09/2007 01:44:38 PM · #13

Originally posted by kirbic:

great idea, but the school is like a couple of hours by train away from where I currently live, so I would have to turn the job down.

I know this doesn't seem like a problem, it's kinda like choosing between icecream and candy. But I just don't know whats best in the long run.

Work a year and then re-apply or go to school right now.

TechnoShroom

Canon EOS-30D

05/09/2007 08:15:16 PM · #14

If teaching is a route you'd like to explore, an advanced degree in photography would open up more teaching jobs for you in the long run.

colorcarnival

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III

Olympus 45mm f/1.8 M.Zuiko Digital

05/09/2007 09:11:29 PM · #15

If you are concerned that you might be closing one door while pursuing another, find a way to keep both doors open! Tell the community college that you need a little time to make the decision because you have it scheduled to go take this exam. They may say ok and give you time or may say - well we are gonna keep looking. IF they say they are gonna offer the job to someone else, and you are still interested in teaching there, see if you can teach at the school part-time. You would still keep your foot in the door this way.

Edit to add: you are young and personally I feel it is a good idea to continue schooling while your brain is still fresh lol.

Message edited by author 2007-05-09 21:12:00.